Analysis Of A Leader Is More Than A Messenger By Toni Smith

It seems there is not a single aspect of our lives that the government is not involved in. Why should sporting events be any different? It is not illegal to peacefully protest, and if an athlete wishes to do so to promote change, then so be it. Protesting is a right protected by the Bill of Rights, and, in my opinion, change is something this society desperately needs.
In Toni Smith's, "A Leader is More Than a Messenger," Smith explores the topic of the citizen’s right to protest and advocate change. Smith explains that athletes and celebrities are people who are in positions to promote said change. They are the people who are influential to the rest of the world, and they can make a difference. However, many athletes don't go against the

opinions of society. Smith states, "If athletes promote only popular opinions, then their positions as role models and leaders should be revoked and replaced with “messengers” (Smith). Smith presents the idea that while the world is full of people trying to sell things, it is the duty of those in positions of influence to do what is right. Many athletes endorse products and people, but unless they promote the things that really matter, they are not doing their job. According to Smith, they should no longer be called leaders. Leaders lead, and those who do not do what it requires to be a leader should be stripped of that title. Smith instructs those in the positions to be a leader to lead and to do what is required of them.
Not being a hypocrite, Smith follows her own advice.

She protests the mixing of politics and sports by not facing the American Flag during the National Anthem before games. Smith explains that this is not her being rude, but her upholding a standard of which she had been given when she became an athlete. The standard of being a leader and standing up for what is right. Smith states, “Wouldn't it be a waste if [the athletes] only jobs as national figures were to look good and reiterate popular opinions” (Smith)? Smith is using her position to call on American citizens for a good cause. This reflects a lot of negative feedback on her, but it is worth it in her mind. Smith will not be one to stand there and look

pretty.
In this article, Smith uses the rhetorical device of pathos to inspire motivation in her audience. While Smith did not intend to inspire people, she did indeed, and that is what makes her article so moving. She states, “It is a blessing to have had the opportunity to touch so many lives through my actions, however unexpected” (Smith). In the article, she is raw and open about her beliefs and the reasoning behind her actions. This emotion galvanizes her readers to do the same. While she explains that athletes and celebrities are already in the positions to make a change, it does not mean that others can’t do the same. Readers then desire to make a difference. They are filled with a sense of pride to make their world better.
Smith protested to make a change, and that is a great thing .

She uses athletes as an example, but anyone can protest to advocate change. Recently in Des Moines, high school students at Roosevelt High School held a protest for Black Lives Matter. The students left class early and walked outside to protest the racial injustice in our country. “The group of students spoke out against recent officer involved shootings across the country where unarmed black men like Terence Crutcher in Tulsa, had been killed” (Surrency). These students decided to be leaders and make a change. In her article, Smith says, “America is composed of little nobodies” (Smith). With this statement, I think she is indirectly calling on all citizens to make a change. No one should ever feel like a nobody. Every opinion, every voice, matters in this country. You just have to make your voice heard. “Just because you can't vote for something doesn't mean you can't make change in the government” (Surrency). That is what Smith did. That is what the students at Roosevelt are doing. They are speaking out to make a change, and it is

fantastic.
The freedom to peacefully protest is a right in America. Smith is calling on citizens and so are the Roosevelt students. Nothing will ever be considered a problem worth fixing unless someone has the courage to speak out against it.